Phosphorus CycleMercer Proctor
Natalie Ford
Phosphorus Cycle
Major Components 1. When plants and wastes decay it is absorbed by the Earth 2. The phosphate is then washed back into the water due to
erosion 3. Plants and algae utilize the phosphate in the water
Nutrients InvolvedSoluble Phosphate is
turned into both Biomass Phosphate
and Fixed Phosphate. Fixed Phosphate
changes to Phosphate Inputs. Biomass
Phosphate changes to Soil Organic
Phosphate. Both Phosphate Inputs and
Soil Organic Phosphate cycle back to Soluble
Phosphates.
Why is phosphate essential?• Phosphate is essential
for life such as ATP (Ex. plant growth)
• Phosphate is the backbone of DNA and
RNA• Used for the uplifting of
rock formations• Main nutrient for plants
in and out of water